On the last day of the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo, David Townsend was named the 2016-17 National FFA President – the first person from Delaware ever to hold that office. Correspondent Thomas Shaw asks David what inspired him to run for national office and what he hopes to accomplish during his year of service.

This segment aired on the October 29, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Scott Jacobs, CDE education specialist at the National FFA Organization, talks about the 24 CDEs and one activity in which some 3,000 FFA members participate at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

This segment aired on the October 15, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Cindy Hefner, program manager at the National FFA Organization, explains the process for selecting the theme and creating the theme song and video for the National FFA Convention & Expo.

This segment aired on the October 15, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Keisto Lucero, education specialist at the National FFA Organization, describes the role and responsibilities of the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

This segment aired on the October 15, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Scott Burris is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University. He talks about his passion for teaching and his interest in research, and he explains why it is so important to make sure there is an adequate supply of qualified teachers who are equipped with the right tools to be successful.

This segment aired on the October 8, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

History was made in 1969 when females were allowed to join FFA – and history was made again in 1976 when Julie Smiley from Washington became the first female to be named a National FFA Officer. Julie shares some of her favorite FFA experiences, and she explains how her background in science and communications led her to a career in education.

This segment aired on the October 8, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

FFA members in Louisiana are helping their local communities recover from the lingering effects of the August floods. Whether the work involves moving hay or stripping down a flood-damaged house, FFA members are pitching in to help with the difficult but rewarding efforts. (From This Week in Louisiana Agriculture)

This segment aired on the October 8, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Roger King, FFA advisor at Holmen High School in Wisconsin, has been teaching agriculture for 32 years. He explains how agricultural education is preparing the next generation of workers for careers in the industry of agriculture, and he talks about the need for more agriculture teachers. King says all students can benefit from the leadership development opportunities and lifelong learning skills that agricultural education offers. (From Wisconsin Public Radio)

This segment aired on the October 1, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Charles Scovill, former ag teacher and current agronomy manager for Syngenta, worked with four Michigan FFA chapters to create a community garden program. Their “Grow More Communities” project, designed to increase food security in rural communities, was named one of 20 regional winners in the 2016 Syngenta Awards – quite an achievement as 746 submissions were received from more than 50 countries!

This segment aired on the October 1, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Two members of the Bridger FFA Chapter in Montana are making headway in the cattle business. Nick Althoff has increased both his cow herd and his farming operation; he started with three pairs and now has 20 pairs, and he has expanded his 26 acres of silage corn to 56 acres. Colter Zentner developed an interest in cattle buying when he went to cattle sales with his father; now Colter is buying cattle for himself and for others to feed and sell.

This segment aired on the October 1, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.